Tif Choate, self taught artist paints large public murals and smaller canvases, with her signature big palette of bright colors and warm images. Welcome to the Snail Candy Arts founder's wonderful world of color!
Lana Del Rey once said, “Doing what you love is freedom. Loving what you do is happiness.”
These words deeply touch my soul. Art is my true passion. A paint brush in my hand and vibrant paints on my palette spark an inner fire within me and helps me become the best version of myself. Through my expressive and colorful artwork, I aspire to inspire you to pause, to reflect, and to awaken your inner imaginations. I believe that what matters most is what we do to make the world a better place. I founded Snail Candy Art & Design to make a difference through art, awakening inner imaginations and sparking social change with handcrafted paintings and public murals.
I’m Tif Choate, a self-taught painter and the founder of Snail Candy Arts. My husband, Jim, and our amazing part-time team and volunteers make up Snail Candy Art & Design. Together, we’ve brought countless murals and exhibits to life — I couldn’t do it without their creativity, skill, and support!
My aim is to give you delight through create eye-catching artworks. I hope that the images you see will lift your spirits, just by musing over them.
Joy is a valuable commodity. I am amazed at how well it restores our mental banks. Often, the disorder of our world may feel like we're drowning. Yielding to contemplate art often generates joyful moments - moments that leave us awestruck, make us laugh out loud, and invigorate us. Art becomes a bright buoy in the dark storms of life.
Joy is a valuable commodity.
Where it all started
I’ve been captivated by the bold beauty of art for as long as I can remember. Growing up near the incredible St. Louis City Art Museum, I was surrounded by inspiration and found myself endlessly drawn to anything creative—painting, building, and making things with my hands. That love led me to study graphic design and illustration at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, where I also met my husband, Jim—an artist in his own right.
After years of working in design, illustration, and a mix of other creative paths (including a brief adventure as a plumber’s helper-True story!)—all while homeschooling our two sons—I never stopped painting. By 2017, with Jim’s unwavering support, we took the leap and brought Snail Candy Art & Design to life. It was time to step fully into the life I’d always dreamed of—one rooted in creativity, authenticity, and the joy of bringing bold, meaningful art into the world.
Eight years in, and I’m still in total joy mode—painting every day with brushes, knives, and a whole lot of color. I love creating bold, joyful pieces on canvas and walls alike, especially murals that bring people together and celebrate community. I’m deeply passionate about public art and its role in social change—I believe art is a form of resistance, with the power to transform minds and open hearts. I’ve painted more than 25 murals across Colorado’s Front Range, each one meant to share connection, color, and hope. Art has a way of lifting us up—I hope mine does that for you, too. ~Tif
(above) "You;Matter", Broomfield, CO, for suicide awareness & prevention. (L) Shock art design "Let it Bee", Longmont, CO, for bee preservation & awareness.(R) "Swelter" on 45 x 60 inch canvas, artist self-portrait.
